Chapter 25 — The day my mother wanted to reconcile, I tore up her letter of reconciliation

Noi Thi looked at us and said:

"I heard that the Duke had just passed away, his relatives kept the ceremony, three days later the spring banquet was held in the palace, he told the Duke's relatives to come to the palace to see him, without delay -—"

As soon as the words ended, the room became silent. Tham Thi and I looked at each other. Arrived faster than we expected. In addition, people have already set up a table in the palace, so let's go in and see, this game is ultimately about who wants to borrow the Bui family to go their own way. Three days later, spring feast. The sky is clear, the royal citadel's walls are lined with red, and the yellow tiles reflect a cold light under the sunlight. The horse-drawn carriage rolled through the street, its wheels grinding on the green stone, sound by sound, like knocking straight into people's hearts. Tham Thi and I sat in the same car. Today she wore a formal dress reserved for women entering the palace, because the Duke had just passed away and it was inconvenient to show off, so her whole body only used the two words solemnity as the main thing. But that's why the National Duke's lady's temperament is even more outstanding. She sat very firmly, only her fingertips still clutching the towel. I know you're stressed. Fighting behind the scenes, no matter how cruel, is just swords and swords behind closed doors. But today I have to enter the palace, on high is the heavenly family, just one sentence can determine a person's honor and humiliation. She is not allowed to lose. At this time, the Bui family is not allowed to lose. I said softly:

"Mother, you don't need to be afraid. If they just use words to oppress, I will respond with the rules of etiquette. If they want to use personal grievances as a reason to cause trouble, I will push this matter to the level of loyalty, using reputation to decide black and white."

Mother tilted her head to look at me, then nodded after a moment. When the car stopped, the palace man was waiting outside. There were many people attending the banquet. On the long steps, jade bracelets jingled and the scent of the wind wafted gently. Some people glanced at us, some people leaned in to whisper, their eyes were scrutinizing, they were pitying, and they also seemed to be watching a show without hiding it. Anyway, the battle from the street has spread throughout the ladies in the capital. Everyone knows that a major scandal has just occurred in the National Palace. We all know that today our mother-in-law entering the palace will not be easy. In the palace, a banquet was held, the queen sat on top, and the concubines sat on both sides. The Queen dressed leisurely, but her expression was very pale, like a calm lake, making it impossible for people to see through her. Not far below her, there was a concubine with a beautiful appearance, a gentle smile, not very old, with a golden brooch studded with sparkling gems in her hair, the light as soon as it shook was dazzling. When she smiled and looked at us, her eyes were colder than that brooch. No need to guess, we know who it is. Vinh Phi was the most recently favored saint. It's also the person Ta Hanh said, most likely at the end of that rope. Tham Thi and I followed the ceremony and then sat down to meditate. The music in the hall hasn't stopped yet, the scent of wine mixes with the scent of flowers, and at first glance it's still a peaceful spring scene. But I know very well that in such a place, the sword has never seen blood. Sure enough, after just a few words of conversation, Vinh Phi spoke first. She smiled and looked at my mother Tham Thi:

"I've long heard that Mrs. Shen is dignified and dignified. Seeing her today, it's really not ordinary. It's just a pity that the Duke passed away at such a young age, making people unable to help but sigh for her."

This word sounds like comfort, but it's nothing wrong. Thi Tham stood up and thanked her, and her response was also discreet and without any loopholes. But as soon as Vinh Phi's voice changed, she gently sighed:

"It's just that recently I heard some rumors out there, and I feel really uncomfortable."

"Says that there was a commotion in the Bui mansion a few days ago. A child was so young, he almost couldn't even recognize his father's surname."

“The child is innocent after all.”

"Mrs. Shen is the main family and also a mother-in-law. She has always valued her mother's virtue and kindness. Surely she wouldn't think to such an extent for an outside woman, right?"

There was still light laughter and talking in the palace, but as soon as this sentence ended, there was silence. Everyone heard that she was trying to overturn Lieu Nhu Nuong's case. It is also borrowing the four words "benevolence and compassion" to secretly attack Tham Thi as being jealous and losing virtue. If you don't answer well at this time, today's request will be at a disadvantage. Thi Tham's face was slightly white. After all, she was still in mourning for the Duke, and according to the rules, she was not supposed to directly confront her beloved concubine in front of the palace. Furthermore, no matter how high her status was, she was still just a royal concubine, competing with a concubine would not be of any benefit. I put down the tea cup and stood up.

“Your words, I also have something to answer.”

All eyes in the palace immediately turned to me. Vinh Phi looked at me, the smile at the corner of her lips deepened:

"Oh? This is Miss Bui?"

"This palace has also heard that on the day of the retreat, you were the first to present evidence, forcing that mother and son to have no way to retreat."

She said, smiling but not sighing:

"It's rare for women from the Khue palace to have such tricks. It's just that women are too sharp, it's not necessarily a blessing. Second lady, will you tell me?"